Panera Bread Hibiscus Tea Recipe

Panera Bread Hibiscus Tea is a vibrant, caffeine-free infusion celebrated for its deep magenta color and refreshing, tart flavor profile. Ideally the hibiscus petals should be steeped in filtered water for at least ten minutes to ensure the full floral essence and antioxidant properties are thoroughly extracted.

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Panera Bread Hibiscus Tea Recipe Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers (Flor de Jamaica)
• 1/4 cup agave nectar or honey (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup pear juice or prickly pear syrup (optional, for the “Fresca” version)
• Fresh mint leaves and lime wheels, for garnish
• Plenty of ice

How To Make Panera Bread Hibiscus Tea Recipe

1. Boil the Water: Bring 4 cups of filtered water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan.
2. Steep the Hibiscus: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the dried hibiscus flowers. Cover the pan and let the flowers steep for 10 to 15 minutes until the liquid is a deep, dark red.
3. Sweeten While Hot: Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a heat-proof pitcher, discarding the spent flowers. Stir in the agave nectar or honey while the liquid is still hot so that it dissolves completely.
4. Add Fruit Notes: Stir in the fresh lime juice and the pear juice (or prickly pear syrup). This step is what replicates the signature “Hibiscus Fresca” flavor found at Panera Bread.
5. Cool Down: Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then place the pitcher in the refrigerator until completely chilled (about 2 hours).
6. Serve: Fill tall glasses with plenty of ice. Pour the chilled hibiscus tea over the ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves and a lime wheel.

Recipe Tips

• Filter Your Water: Since water is the primary ingredient, using filtered water prevents any chlorine or mineral tastes from interfering with the delicate floral notes of the hibiscus.
• Avoid Over-Steeping: Do not leave the hibiscus flowers in the water for more than 20 minutes; after this point, the tea can begin to take on a bitter, overly astringent quality.
• Sweetener Substitution: If you prefer a sugar-free version, you can use Stevia or Monkfruit sweetener, adding it gradually until you reach your desired sweetness level.
• Dried vs. Tea Bags: While hibiscus tea bags work in a pinch (use about 6 bags), using whole dried hibiscus flowers (found in the Hispanic section of most grocery stores as “Jamaica”) provides a much deeper, richer flavor.

What To Serve With Panera Bread Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea accompaniments are light, refreshing additions frequently served alongside bright summer salads or delicate pastries. Ideally the lemon poppyseed muffin should be served at room temperature to provide a sweet, citrusy balance to the tart and floral notes of the iced tea.

• Panera Bread Green Goddess Salad
• A slice of lemon poppyseed cake or a citrus muffin
• Fresh fruit skewers with a honey-yogurt dip
• A turkey and avocado sandwich on sourdough

How To Store Panera Bread Hibiscus Tea

• Refrigerate: Store the prepared tea in a glass pitcher with a lid in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Preparation: If the tea has been sitting for more than a day, give it a quick stir before serving, as the fruit juices and sweeteners may settle at the bottom.
• Freeze: You can freeze the tea into ice cubes to prevent your drink from being diluted as the ice melts, or freeze the tea in popsicle molds for a refreshing summer treat.

Panera Bread Hibiscus Tea Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 65 kcal (per 8-oz serving)
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 14g

Nutrition information is estimated based on 4 servings.

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